10 Must-Have Accessories to Use a Laptop Full-Time

As someone who works professionally for the web, I need to use a computer all day long. I have both a laptop and a desktop computer, of course. And I use both of them each day when doing my work because they both have their benefits over one another. However, if I needed to choose between using only a laptop or only a desktop, I'd choose to use my laptop full time. That's due primarily to the fact that I can take it anywhere. However, I would need some specific laptop accessories to make full-time use of the laptop work for me.

The top ten must-have laptop accessories for people who want to use their laptops full-time are:

Extra battery. The problem with using a laptop all day every day is that the battery starts to wear out quickly. When I was a PC person, I always had an extra battery with me and it was a long-lasting battery at that. Unfortunately, this isn't an option for me now that I'm an Apple person ... it's the only bad thing I've found so far about switching to Mac!

Extra long power cord. If I'm going to work from a laptop then I want to be able to take advantage of the fact that I have a portable full-time computer. If I'm working from different locations all day then I need to be able to plug in the computer and an extra-long power cord makes that a lot easier. That, I have to confess, is one of the best things about the Mac since it comes with two different lengths of power cords to make things easy on you.

Laptop sleeve or backpack for laptop. I used to have a specific backpack that I used for carrying around my laptop. Now I just use a laptop sleeve. Either way, you need some sort of protection for your laptop when you're toting it around with you all day for full-time use.

Bluetooth-enabled printer. You must have a printer for your computer if you're using it full-time regardless of whether it's a desktop or a laptop. In my opinion, a Bluetooth-enabled printer and laptop are great choices since they're super convenient although any printer that works with your laptop would be fine.

Laptop mouse. There are occasionally times when I find that my work is enhanced by the option of using a mouse. And it's a lot easier to play computer games during downtime if you've got a mouse for your laptop. :) I think if you're going to use a laptop full time then it's worth it to invest in a mouse just in case you need it. I, personally, think a wireless mouse is the best choice.

Laptop stand. One of my favorite things about the laptop is that you can use it in your lap. However, this isn't great for your posture if you're doing it all day. That's why laptop stands are so important. I think that the best one is one that can be raised and lowered so that you can use the laptop while sitting as well as while standing. A second laptop stand just for your lap, to allow for the best positioning as well as to cool the machine, is also a good choice if you are using a laptop full time.

USB light. I happen to love the option of having an additional light on my keyboard and work area and a USB light is a great way to get that for your laptop. It's not a necessity but when you spend many hours (at different times of the day) on your laptop then you find that it really enhances the experience of working.

Webcam and headset. If these aren't built in to your laptop already then they are accessories that you should definitely invest in. The ability to use your voice and to share images through video conferencing is a great asset to any business. It also helps reduce the feeling of isolation that can come from working all day on your laptop alone.

Additional computer speakers. Sometimes I use my laptop to listen to podcasts, audio instructions or even music while doing work in a notebook or elsewhere in the home. The laptop speakers tend to not be quite good enough for this. Additional speakers are a terrific asset in this way. It's not an issue if you have a desktop computer too but is definitely a great idea if you're a full-time laptop-only person.

USB Memory Sticks. You don't want to keep your laptop overcrowded with all of the old files that you don't need. If you don't have a desktop computer that you're backing your laptop up to then you need to be storing the information somewhere else. USB memory sticks are a top choice for me because they hold a lot of files and are small enough to keep out of the way in storage.

There are, of course, other laptop accessories that will be important for you if you're using a laptop all day. Accessories related to scanners and faxes, the high-speed Internet connection that you use and ergonomics are all things that you may want. You may also want some additional fun accessories like a video game controller, a handwriting drawing pad or an extra keyboard. However, the ten items on this list are the ones that I think are truly must-have items if you're going to try to use a laptop full time for your work.

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jo 6 years ago

good list but how about the hazzerd mate

Amelia Griggs 7 years ago

Good list! I will have to look into the USB light which can be handy. The only thing I would add is a larger backup device. I just bought a portable hard drive for large files and archived folders. I also know others that are using online backup too.

Regards,

Easylearningweb

Om Paramapoonya 7 years ago

Great advice. I really like using a mouse with my laptop. It's not that I play games a lot. I just don't have coordinated fingers LOL

Vernon Bradley 7 years agofrom Yucaipa, California

ALRIGHT, the USB light. Didn't even know such a thing existed and I'm often looking for a way to work on writing at night when everyone else is asleep without having to turn on a light and get caught!! My wife hates my computer! Maybe you can write a hub about making your spouse more loving toward your computer!

Susan Haze 7 years agofrom Sunny Florida

Greaat list. Great information.

diogenes 7 years ago

Interesting...if they fit in my barrel, may get some of these gizmos...diogenes

Patti Ann 7 years agofrom Florida

Excellent info - when my desk top computer crashed I started using my laptop all the time - I don't miss my desk top at all.

Eileen Kersey 7 years agofrom Kingston-Upon-Hull

Good list but not all are truly essential. Nice to have though.

WildIris 7 years ago

Great list. I like the USB memory stick for the lap top. VERY useful.

The Rising Glory 7 years agofrom California

Excellent HUB with lots of good info.

David 470 7 years agofrom Pennsylvania, United States

Having a net book is useful too as it is similar to laptop but smaller. I know I always need a mouse cause I hate touch pads with a passion lol.

DARRYL WILLIAM CRAWFORD 7 years agofrom Philadelphia PA to Tucson AZ.

I couldn't have said it better Kathryn Vercillo you're right on the money (on target) with this hub. Greeeaat HUB!

Even though this is not an accessory, I would also included to you computer "an advanced fire wall" for your protection from hackers. It's really a shame when we put so much work into our passion and to have a thief/hacker take it and use it or try to crash our vital tool for cyber space business.

Other than that, those accessories are very important and very helpful. 2 thumbs up.

ocbill 7 years agofrom hopefully somewhere peaceful and nice

a usb light...I never thought of that. cool to know.

a bluetooth printer (wireless) definitely,

I actually may go on a trip so I am bringing a mouse, a 22 inch screen and usb drive and back-up portable external drive. yeah, some speakers too.

SteveoMc 7 years agofrom Pacific NorthWest

I would only add that it is nice to have a netbook too. This I can practically put in my pocket and I have access to it all around, at dinner, watching tv, even in the bathroom. My laptop is mobile but it likes to sit on my desk. I don't know why. Maybe because it knows that my netbook can do all the dangerous risky stuff, like show movies and provide video conferencing and can sit with a sandwich on a tv tray or coffee table. The tower just sits under the desk and yawns! When the other two are finshed playing around, the tower accepts their files and sorts them out.

Eric Pulsifer 7 years agofrom Charleston, SC

Kathryn, good list. I use a netbook for most of my writing, and my desktop when I'm going online at home. I keep all my work files on thumb drive, and threw together a mini-program that automates my synchronization between USB drive and hard disk.

I'll probably need to pick up a laptop stand fairly soon, because the heat from my netbook gets pretty uncomfortable on those hot days.